The new government has announced an independent investigation into complaints about bright headlights that are blinding drivers. Back in April, the Conservatives said they would start an investigation, and now Labour has confirmed it's happening right away.
Lilian Greenwood, the new Minister for the Future of Roads, confirmed that despite the change in government, the review is still on.
An RAC survey of 2,000 drivers earlier this year showed that 89% believe some headlights are too bright, with 28% saying most headlights are overly bright—the highest percentage yet.
Of those complaining, 91% have been blinded while driving, and 74% say it happens regularly. Around 67% said they had to slow down until their vision cleared, and 64% believed that some headlights are so bright they could cause accidents.
Worryingly, 5% said they nearly had an accident because of headlight glare, and 7% find it so bad that they avoid driving at night. This jumps to 14% for drivers aged 65 and over.
The RAC has been collecting data on this issue since 2018, but the latest findings show that more drivers are affected than ever, with 85% of those surveyed saying the problem is getting worse. Now that the government has confirmed it will look into the issue, the RAC is backing the move, especially with winter coming.
RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said, “We are delighted to see a commitment from the new Government that independent research into the issue of dazzling headlights is being commissioned, especially with darker evenings now on the way.
“We hope it leads to a better understanding of what is a complex problem, but one that is undoubtedly affecting drivers up and down the country – in fact, more drivers have contacted us with their concerns about this topic than any other in recent times.
“We’ve worked hard over a number of years to raise this topic on drivers’ behalf and now look forward to supporting the Department for Transport in this piece of work.”
Baroness Dianne Hayter added, “For anyone who suffers from headlight glare and wonders what is being done about it, this will be a very welcome announcement. We know some drivers have stopped driving at night, and we know concern about dazzle isn’t only felt by drivers in the UK but further afield as well.
“Getting to the bottom of these issues and deciding a way forward is extremely important.”
Do you think car headlights are getting too bright? Have you had any near misses because of headlight glare? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below...
